Category: Dictionary

Animal Welfare Act (AWA):

An approach to farming that seeks to increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This involves practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and agroforestry. For example, implementing climate-smart practices can help a farm adapt to changing weather patterns.

A nutrient added to milk to support bone health and immune function. Vitamin D is commonly fortified in milk. For instance, fortifying milk with vitamin D to help prevent deficiencies in the population.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):

The size of the ribeye muscle, measured at the 12th rib. Ribeye area is used to assess muscling and meat yield. For example, measuring the ribeye area of beef cattle to evaluate carcass quality and market potential.

The practice of combining fish farming with other agricultural activities, such as crop or livestock production, to create a synergistic system. For example, implementing integrated fish farming to enhance resource use efficiency and diversify farm income.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS):

A type of mastitis caused by pathogens present in the cow’s environment, such as bedding and water. Environmental mastitis is managed through hygiene and management practices. For example, maintaining clean bedding to reduce the risk of environmental mastitis in dairy cows.

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS):

An essential nutrient in milk, important for growth and repair in the body. Milk protein is used in various dairy products, including cheese and yogurt. For instance, enhancing milk protein levels through selective breeding and nutrition management.

A setup for providing water to livestock, including troughs, automatic waterers, and pipelines. Adequate water supply is essential for animal health and productivity. For example, installing an automatic watering system in a pasture to ensure cattle have constant access to fresh water.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA):

The laws, regulations, and policies that govern agricultural practices, trade, and subsidies. For example, understanding agricultural policy and legislation to navigate regulatory requirements and access government programs.

Windrow Composting:

The practice of regularly inspecting crops and livestock for signs of pests and their damage. Pest monitoring helps farmers make informed decisions about pest control methods. For example, conducting regular field inspections to detect early signs of pest infestations in a crop.

The tunica of cattle testicles, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef testicular tunica for pharmaceutical and health applications.

The tail of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef tail for culinary and industrial purposes.

Outreach programs and services provided by universities and research institutions to support dairy farmers with education, resources, and technical assistance. For example, participating in dairy extension programs to learn about new technologies and best practices.

Plantations of apple trees cultivated for commercial fruit production. Managing an apple orchard involves tasks such as pruning, pest control, and harvesting. For example, an apple orchard might produce different varieties of apples for fresh consumption and cider production.

The approaches used to manage and reduce weed populations in agriculture, including mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods. For example, developing weed control strategies to minimize competition and improve crop productivity.

The increase in an animal’s weight over time, influenced by genetics, nutrition, and management. Weight gain is a key factor in livestock production. For example, maximizing weight gain in feedlot cattle to improve profitability.

Threshing Floor:

Milk that has been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. Pasteurization is a critical step in dairy processing. For instance, producing pasteurized milk to ensure it is safe for consumption and meets regulatory standards.

Tailwater:

The process of developing and implementing a strategic plan for fish farming operations, including goals, resources, and financial projections. For example, creating a fish farm business plan to guide decision-making and achieve long-term success.

The practices and strategies used to address and manage emergencies affecting food production and distribution, ensuring continuity and safety. For example, developing food product emergency response plans to quickly and effectively address disruptions and protect the business.

The process of organizing and managing land resources to meet agricultural, environmental, and societal needs. Land use planning helps balance competing interests and promote sustainable development. For example, developing a land use plan to allocate areas for farming, conservation, and urban development.

A tool used by beekeepers to gently remove bees from frames or surfaces. This helps manage bee colonies without causing harm. For example, a beekeeper might use a bee brush to inspect and harvest honeycomb.

Soil Amendment:

The practices and systems used to collect, store, analyze, and use data related to farm operations, including production, financial, and environmental data. For example, implementing farm data management systems to improve decision-making and optimize farm performance.

The sebaceous glands of cattle, often used for medicinal purposes. For example, producing beef sebaceous gland for pharmaceutical and health applications.

Season Extension:

The laws and guidelines governing the packaging and labeling of food products, including ingredient lists, nutritional information, and allergen warnings. For example, complying with food packaging and labeling regulations to ensure consumer safety and meet legal requirements.

Precision Agriculture:

A heifer that is raised and prepared for exhibition in livestock shows, judged on conformation and quality. Show heifers are groomed and trained for competition. For instance, selecting and raising a show heifer to compete in a state fair.

Pole Bean:

The process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period to kill harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. Pasteurization is a critical step in dairy processing. For example, pasteurizing milk to ensure it is safe for consumption and meets regulatory standards.

The promotion of food products through events, such as trade shows, tastings, and cooking demonstrations, to engage with consumers and generate interest. For example, organizing food product event marketing to showcase new products and build customer relationships.

The hard fat found around the kidneys and loins of cattle, often used in cooking and baking. For example, producing beef suet for making traditional puddings and pastries.

The various substances that make up milk, including water, fat, protein, lactose, and minerals. Milk components are important for nutritional value and dairy product processing. For example, analyzing milk components to ensure it meets industry standards and consumer preferences.

The technologies and tools used to protect devices and endpoints in the food production and distribution process, including antivirus software, encryption, and access controls. For example, adopting food product endpoint security solutions to enhance data protection and prevent breaches.

The various insurance products available to protect farm operations from financial losses due to events such as crop failure, livestock loss, and natural disasters. For example, purchasing farm insurance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure financial stability.

A business or facility that converts raw milk into finished dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and butter. For example, operating a dairy processing plant to produce and distribute various dairy products.

A method of marking cattle by injecting ink into the skin, usually inside the ear. Tattooing provides a permanent form of identification. For example, tattooing registration numbers on purebred cattle for breed certification and record-keeping.

Market Hog:

The uterus of cattle, often used in traditional dishes and for making pet food. For example, producing beef uterus for culinary and industrial purposes.

The period of sexual receptivity in female animals when they are ready to mate. Estrus is also known as “heat.” For example, detecting estrus in cows is crucial for timing artificial insemination.

Juice Grape:

The selective mating of animals to enhance desired traits in future generations. This can improve productivity, health, and quality of livestock. For instance, breeding cows for higher milk production.

Practices and technologies used to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency in dairy production and processing. For example, implementing water conservation measures to ensure sustainable dairy operations.